Make it one colorful summer! (Left-Right): Quiksilver Kids Hoye t-shirt in Varsity  , Volcom Kids Frickin Chino shorts in Red Heather ,Three Little Dots Kids Tunic Tank in Coastal Blue, Hurley Kids Patrice Shorts in Flamingo, Diesel Kids Tralityb polo shirt in Leaf Green, Three Little Dots* Kids Swing Top in Morrocan Coral

If there’s one word to sum up this summer’s liveliest trend, it would be “color”. Bright colors are definitely a fun trend that everyone in the family can partake in this season. Your kids’ casual style is certainly no exception! By introducing fun brights into their outfits this summer, you can give their casual look some serious pop. Besides, why should mom and dad be the only ones sporting the season’s hottest trends?

*Zappos.com is an exclusive online retailer for Three Little Dots!

I considered myself a mom long before I found out I was pregnant.  While these “kids” of mine are covered in fur, they are no less important to me. For the last four years, I have been owned by two great dogs – an Italian Greyhound named Ava and a Spaniel mix named Jackson. They have taught me so much about caring for another living being, that I credit them for making me into the mother my soon-to-be-born son is going to have.

As this is my first pregnancy, there has definitely been an adjustment period for all of us – dogs included. There are new routines and new ways of doing things that everyone had to get used to. While I believe my dogs are quite in tune with me, it’s hard to make them understand what all these changes mean. They still have demands and they still have needs that I need to tend to while trying to navigate all the changes that are happening with me. It can be hard to balance it all, but it is possible!

Here are my five tips for balancing pregnancy and pet ownership:

1. Know that your pets know. My dogs knew I was pregnant before I did. I was wondering why their personalities changed so drastically (Jackson became very clingy to me and Ava became very playful – out of character for her) and when I found out I was pregnant, I realized the change came at the same time. You won’t fool your pets – they will know a huge change is coming.
2. Allow for some sniffing. As your pets realize there are changes occurring with you, they will try to use their best sense – their sense of smell – to get themselves acquainted with the new you. While it may seem awkward to allow your dogs to sniff you all day long, it’s how they learn and it’s important for their adjustment.
3. Have patience. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes and your patience may be in short supply, but if you are to have patience with anything, let it be your pets. They are going to be a bit anxious sensing the changes and not knowing exactly what is to come next. Losing your patience with them will make the adjustment that much harder.
4. Incorporate pets into an exercise regime. Pregnancy fatigue can cause you to want to do nothing but sleep, but that is not the healthiest of decisions. Pets – dogs, especially – can force you to get up and get some exercise. Use them to help you stay healthy.
5. Start new routines early. Things are going to change when the baby comes, that is undeniable. You can help ease everyone into the new routine by starting it long before the baby forces you into it. For example, if you plan to have the nursery a pet-free zone, start implementing the new rule right away. If you plan to walk the dogs while pushing a stroller, start doing so as soon as you bring the stroller home.

I have been able to really allow my dogs to investigate and acknowledge all the changes that are taking place with me and our family dynamic, and by doing so, they have taken everything more easily that I could have imagined. They still become anxious at times, especially during a new phase of the pregnancy, but with a little patience and understanding, they are able to adjust and take it all in stride.

Next phase: introducing them to the baby they have been sensing for the first time.

*Guest blogger Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance company. Trupanion offers 90% coverage of veterinary bills with no payout limits. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured.

Left-Right: Volcom Kids Boys Stone Thrashguard, Patagonia Kids Baby Baggies boardshorts, Little Marc Jacobs Scuba Miss Marc one piece, le top Kids Monokini, Hurley Kids Puerto Rico tankini and boyshort set

Thinking of a beach getaway for the family? Pack up the kids, some beach towels, beach toys,  swimsuits, and plenty of sunscreen and get ready for some memorable times on the shore this summer.

There are plenty of kid-friendly beaches across the country to explore! These beaches get an A+ for having amenities like restrooms and showers, good sand quality, kid-friendly waves*, and overall picturesque beauty. Here are just a few family-friendly beaches worth checking out this summer:

Coronado Beach, Coronado Island, California: With the historic Hotel Del Coronado as its backdrop, this wide stretch of beach makes it perfect for a family beach picnic. The little kids will enjoy building sandcastles while the older kids can play beach volleyball or rollerblade on the 15-mile pathway. There’s lots of free parking, restrooms, year-round lifeguards and showers. You can also enjoy a nice lunch in the hotel.

Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii: Just west of Poipu Beach is a little protected cove aptly named “Baby Beach”. This is perfect place for young kids and babies to get their first taste of the ocean while being protected from the currents. There’s also a grassy park by the parking lot which is perfect for picnics.

Santa Cruz Beach, Santa Cruz, California: The kids will have a blast on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk which features lots of rides, games and entertainment. The older kids can even learn to surf on Cowell’s Beach which usually has great conditions for beginners.

Siesta Beach, Siesta Key, Florida: The powdery white sand makes this beach one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. There’s a shaded picnic area and a playground for the kids, not to mention lots of family-friendly restaurants to choose from.

Ko’olina Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii: Nestled in the west side of Oahu, this resort beach is home to the upscale Marriott Ihilani Resort and more recently, the Aulani Disney Resort. There is, however, a public-access section, so you don’t need to shell out big bucks to stay at the hotel or its many villas to enjoy the beach. There are three kid-friendly man-made lagoons that make up the beach area, each one protected by rock barriers. There are also several grassy and shaded picnic areas, lifeguards, restrooms and showers, making it convenient for parents and kids alike.

*constant adult supervision is a must at any beach.

Just like skateboards, bikes and rollerblades, the Razor scooter has earned a strong following among kids, teens, action sports athletes and fun-loving adults all over the world.

Each Razor scooter is designed with performance and durability in mind, which is why Razor is the most trusted brand in scooters.

Check out the video below featuring the cool Razor Graffiti Chalk Scooter. This ingenious scooter has a cool chalk scribbler on the back, allowing the rider to express his or her creativity as they ride around town.

These days, many people are becoming more eco-savvy. Parents are certainly no exception, and just as they are reusing, reducing, and recycling more than ever, they are also more interested in teaching their kids ways to embrace these principals. Kids’ parties are a wonderful place to start.

If you are into the Three Rs and are looking to make your kids’ parties more environmentally friendly, there are many ways you can help the Earth and throw a great party at the same time. Eco-friendly party planning is also a great way to introduce your kids to reducing, reusing, and recycling!

• Look around your home, and take an inventory of what you have on hand to make invitations, decorations, and party fun. For example, do you have any old paper supplies that you could create your invitations with? It is Earth smart (and pocketbook friendly!) to reuse what you already have.
• You may find things around your home to wrap gifts with. You could also turn the search for gift-wrapping materials into a fun outdoor activity. If you are looking to add a gift tag or decorative piece to your party package, take a hike and pick up a pinecone or acorn to decorate with.
• The easiest thing to serve your party menu and cake on are paper goods that match your theme. When you pick up these items, try to purchase only what you need. If you have leftovers, you may be able to reuse them at a party for another child in your family, or you could find a friend’s family who is having a birthday party with the same theme. Another trend these days is selling/swapping your stuff online. At Parents’ Connect Marketplace, you can make a little money by selling your leftover party goods and also help others who may need just two or three plates or cups to round out their party table.
• After your party, make sure to recycle any soda cans, plastic juice bottles, or other recyclable items that you served or used.
• As far as eco-friendly presents go, there are many options out there. You can purchase stuffed animals for small children that are made of organic material. If you are giving a child a gift that requires batteries, make sure to buy rechargeable ones. Tweens may appreciate a certificate stating that a tree has been planted in their name.
• Visit ECHOage, a website chock-full of fabulous ways to have an eco-friendly party.
• Use eco-friendly fabric bags for your goody bags.
• Check out Happy Green Earth, which was set up specifically to provide eco-friendly alternatives for children’s party bags, gifts, and tableware. They provide good-quality, affordable, and unusual items that are made from eco-friendly materials that are kinder to our planet.

 Reduce, reuse, and recycle!! The mantra is here to stay … at parties and beyond!

One of the joys of having a little girl is getting to spend mommy and daughter time—just the girls. Another fun perk is dressing in matching outfits with your little “mini me”.  Whether you decide to spend your girls’ day shopping, getting mani-pedis or just having a special lunch date, dressing in matching ensembles is a cute way to show your mommy-daughter bond.

Here are two adorable casual mommy-daughter outfits from three little dots and three dots. A pair of comfy and cute Sanuk Yoga Mat flip flops for you and your little one finishes of each adorable look.

On-the-go Cute:

Three Dots 1 x1 Light Double Front Tank Top & Three Little Dots Kids Tunic Tank Top: These comfy and easy-to-wear tops are perfect for layering or wearing alone.

Red Dot Jackie Jersey Straight Leg Pant & Three Little Dots Kids Yoga Pant: Make play dates more comfy with these stretchy and versatile pants.

Comfy Dressy:

Three Dots 1x1 Shortsleeve Scoop Neck Dress & Three Little Dots Kids Ruffle Dress: You can dress these up or down depending on your accessories and shoes; either way, they’re super adorable.

Today is National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work® Day. Here at the Zappos HQ, we’re welcoming Zapponians’ kids to spend the day taking tours, playing games and getting to learn all about where mom and dad work. Nothing beats getting to skip school and causing a mini ruckus in the office!

In the picture above, some spunky Zapponian kids get down on the basketball hoop and ham it up for the camera.

Top to Bottom:  ASICS Kid GEL-Nimbus 12, ASICS Kids GEL-Cumulus 12, adidas Kids adiSpeed + K, Nike Kids LunarGlide

With TV, the internet and video games monopolizing more and more of kids’ free time in recent years, it becomes even more important for parents to encourage kids to engage in more physical activities to keep them healthy and keep their weight at a healthy level.

Here are some simple ways to get your kids moving this summer:  

1.  Designate family jogging/walking days: On your days off, plan a family walk or jog at a nice park. It’s a great way to spend time together as well as enjoy a nice change of scenery. For extra fun and multi-tasking, take the family dog with you!

2.  Go for a scenic bike ride: Whether it’s in your neighborhood or along the beach, a family bike ride lets everyone enjoy some fresh air. Don’t forget those helmets and pads!

3.  Go geocaching: This high-tech treasure hunt is great for adventure-seeking parents and kids alike. This also promotes a strong sense of teamwork for the whole family.

4.  Hit the pool: Swimming is an excellent way to get healthy during the hot summer months. Look for a reputable swim school for kids in your area to get them started. You can even incorporate fun water games like Slip N’ Slide into your pool days.

5.  Create a sporty picnic: Get a few family friends together for a picnic and play some fun games like softball, flag football, catch, Frisbee or soccer.

6.  Add some physical activities to family vacations: There are plenty of options for making your vacations more active. Try rowing, hiking, or horseback riding with the kids.

With all these fun activities, your kids will be enjoying themselves so much, they won't realize how much excercise they're getting!